HB 3351
Enacts the interstate Counseling Compact.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2025 Regular Session
Committee
Behavioral Health and Health Care
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
100%
Oppose
0%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
House Bill 3351 enacts the Interstate Counseling Compact, allowing Oregon to join a system that facilitates the interstate practice of licensed professional counselors. This means counselors licensed in other states can practice in Oregon, and Oregon counselors can practice in other participating states. The Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists will share specific information with the Counseling Compact Commission, and counselors practicing under the compact will be exempt from obtaining a license in Oregon. The bill also outlines how Oregon will financially support its participation in the compact.
Key provisions
- Allows Oregon to join the Interstate Counseling Compact, enabling interstate practice of licensed professional counselors.
- The Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists will share specific information with the Counseling Compact Commission.
- Counselors practicing under the compact are exempt from obtaining a license in Oregon.
- Oregon will use state funds to meet financial obligations related to the compact's participation.
- Requires member states to have a process for investigating complaints against licensees.
- Establishes a data system for sharing licensure, adverse action, and investigative information among member states.
- Defines key terms related to the compact, such as ‘encumbered license’ and ‘privilege to practice.’
- Outlines requirements for states to participate, including meeting specific licensing criteria and implementing criminal background checks.
Who is affected
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 3351 believe that joining the Interstate Counseling Compact would improve access to mental health care, particularly for vulnerable populations such as LGBTQ+ clients, military families, and rural/underserved areas. The proposed legislation would enable Oregon to join a national network of licensed counselors, allowing them to practice legally and ethically across state lines, reduce administrative burdens, and increase access to continuity of care for clients undergoing major life transitions or relocating frequently. By expanding the pool of available counselors, the bill aims to address Oregon's significant behavioral health workforce shortages and support the growing need for mental health services in underserved areas.
Source: Testimony Summaries
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